Luis Pato "Maria Gomes" Espumante, Barraida, Portugal NV

FROM SKURNIK WINES:

THE WINE: Grown with Maria Gomes (95%) and Sercialinho (5%) grapes fermented in separate stainless steel vats under control temperature during 2 weeks.

The second fermentation will occur inside the bottle to keep the flavour of flowers and fruits from the main grape.

THE PRODUCER: The Pato family has been producing wine at Quinta do Ribeirinho since, at least, the eighteen century. João Pato started to bottle the wine from his vineyards in 1970, becoming the first winegrower in Bairrada region after its demarcation. His son, Luis Pato, inherited this nonconformist and pioneer spirit. In 1980, Luis produced his first wine, a pure Baga, from an exceptional quality and absolute rareness that is sought by appreciators as a treasure. After experimenting with Baga over the years, Luis was even able to produce the first Vinhas Velhas wine from Portugal! However, in 1999, by personal choice, he left DOC denomination and now labels his wines as Regional Beiras.

Pato’s 60 hectares of vineyards are planted with Baga and Touriga Nacional (red varieties), as well as Maria Gomes, Bical, Bairrada’s Cercial and Sercialinho (white varieties). The vineyards are distributed in two different types of soil: sandy and chalky-clay.